Organization was formed in 1967
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
2017 marks an important year for the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), as the organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The oldest corn growers’ organization in the United States, the ICGA started in 1967 to act as a voice for the state’s corn producers at both the state and federal levels.
And today’s members are as committed as the organization’s forefathers to advocate for corn farmers in Iowa.
“The world may be a different place since our inception, but the dedication of our members at the grassroots level and their engagement in policy development has remained unchanged,” Kurt Hora, ICGA president, said in a release. “Today, ICGA is home to nearly 7,500 corn farmer-members across the state and our pro-farmer advocacy remains the number one reason members join ICGA.”
Walter Goeppinger, the organization’s founder, is also responsible for helping organize the National Corn Growers Association in 1957. In 1959, he aided in the transportation of Iowa hogs to Yomanshi, Japan, after a typhoon destroyed many local hog operations.
According to ICGA, flying hogs to Japan also led to the creation of the U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Today, part of ICGA’s mandate includes encouraging farmers to be proud of their work and to get involved within the community.
“No matter the level that you are willing to be involved, from being a member engaging in a call-to-action to serving on a county board, it is imperative that we have the resources to continue supporting agriculture at the county, state, federal and global level,” Hora said in the release. “We have been here for Iowa corn farmers for the last 50 years, help us be here with full force for 50 more.”